As a refresher for those of you who have forgotten I am reading my way down the list of 100 books that Americans should read (or something along those lines) although it should actually be like 120 books or so because half of the ones on this list are trilogys or such and involve more than one book. Anyways, the first book was Pride and Prejudice which of course was NO trial to me to read! In fact, I probably could have written this review in my sleep (as Steph so aptly pointed out) but doing this just gave me an excuse to read it over again!
*WARNING: The following review (which isn't REALLY a review) contains spoilers!*
Ah, I do so love this book! I finished it this evening and reading it again just made it even better! I got completely into it- so completely into it that it was as if I was all of the characters! I laughed at Darcy's haughty scorn as he rejected Elizabeth. I was incredulous at Collin's stupidity as he was kneeling at Lizzy's feet asking for her hand in marriage. I felt Jane's torture as Bingley left to London- seemingly never to return- and Bingley's sadness at the thought that the woman he loved didn't truly love him. I felt all of Elizabeth's shock at Darcy's proposal, as well as his humiliation at her scorn.
I gasped along with Elizabeth and she read Darcy's letter and felt all of her revulsion at Wickham and what he had done. I shook my head with Mr. Bennet at the follies of Mrs. Bennet and her three youngest. I felt just a smidgen of remorse with Lizzy as we toured Pemberly for the first time and saw what we could have had! I started simultaneously with Darcy and Lizzy as they both saw each other on the grounds at Pemberly and I felt all of the hopelessness of the entire Bennet family when they learned of what Lydia had done!
I was SO aware of just how much Lizzy owed Darcy when she found out what he had done for her family and how much she completely loved him- just when it seemed there was no hope for the two of them after all. I felt all of Jane's exquisite happiness as she and Bingley managed to work it out and finally become engaged. I was consumed with anger and annoyance when Lady Catherine De Bourgh had the insolence to march into the Bennet's house and aim all of those unjust, hurtful, and rude accusations at Elizabeth.
And finally I was completely overwhelmed with joy and romantic sighs as Elizabeth and Darcy started that fateful walk, and had that amazing conversation! I giggled in my heart as they became the quintessential 'mushy' lovers, and I sighed with absolute contentment when they got married and Jane Austen wrapped up the story.
Ah, it was just so good!!! So good! I'd slightly forgotten just HOW much I love this story- truly a classic and well worth the read for anyone who needs a good novel! (Although I'm fairly certain I've just highlighted all of the main points...oops, sorry!)
I would so give it 5 stars!!!
4 comments:
You crack me SO up! It has been a few years since I read this one, and it looks like I am going to have to read it again...because even though I have read it, seen it, and know the story, there is nothing like reading it again, and remembering all the things you felt 'the first time'. Awesome, Bonnie!
After reading your review I'm not sure if I even need to read the book. I'm thinking if for some bizarre reason massage therapy does not work out for you you could become the person responsible for abridging Jane Austin books (for those weirdos who don't have time to read the full version...whoever they are because honestly they aren't exactly the biggest books in the world...) Thanks for the reminder of all the fun points of this book.
I still have not read this book, and I STILL haven't started on that list of books to read! We should have a race Bonnie! lol jk :) I can't wait to start on that reading list. And even though you put in some spoilers it just makes me more eager than ever to read Pride and Prejudice!
What an excellent review!!!! You have definitely convinced me to go and read this book again.
I have a friend who reads the book every year and then invites all her friends to her home for a pot luck and to watch the movie on her birthday. She has a picture of Colin Firth as Darcy in a gaudy, ornate frame that she brings out just for this occasion. It is SO MUCH FUN!!!
If it is all right with you, I would love to send her your review.
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